PLYMOUTH sprint hurdler David King is excited about competing at the Anniversary Games in London this weekend.
The 22-year-old City of Plymouth athlete will take on some of the world’s best in the 110m hurdles on Saturday afternoon at the Olympic Stadium.
King competed last year at the event, which is an IAAF Diamond League meet, but he admits this year he goes into the competition with a lot more expectations on his shoulders after an impressive season which has seen him lower his personal best and compete for Great Britain at the European Championships.
“I am looking forward to it a lot,” said King, who will run in the heats at 2.30pm.
“It is probably my last big race of the season. I have been consistent around 13.5 now so I think I’m due a fast time. I am really excited about it.”
He added: “This year is very different. Last year I was just happy to be there. Hopefully, this year I am going to be more competitive as I’m feeling really good.
“It’s still going to be difficult to make the final, but it’s not out of the question.”
King was delighted to make his Great Britain senior debut at the European Championships in Amsterdam earlier this month.
He reached the semi-finals, but unfortunately, he did not get the right conditions to be able to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard – he was just 0.07 seconds off despite running into a strong wind.
“It was a really good experience,” said the former Devonport High School for Boys pupil. “I wanted a little bit more out of my races, but I equalled my PB so I can’t be disappointed with that.
“It was amazing. I met all the senior team. There were a lot of big names and it was good getting to know those guys. It was a little taste of what is to come, hopefully.”
Despite just missing out on making the GB Olympic team, King is pleased with how his season has gone.
“I’m not going to the Olympics, but before the season started I would not have expected to go anyway,” he said.
“I’m really positive and happy with how it has been going.
“I could go to the Olympics but if I ran the times I have been running then I would go out of the heats pretty easily. I wouldn’t do myself much justice out there unless I took a chunk out of my time. Tokyo 2020 is the next one so that will be my goal, but it is the London World Championships next year.
“I will sit down with my coach and work it all out, but I’m pretty certain the World Championships will be a goal as well. I don’t know what the standard is yet, but I would imagine it is similar to the Olympics so it is definitely within my reach.”